Ruth M. Clark

July 12, 1928 - December 28, 2020

Ruth M. Clark, 92, of Kalkaska passed away peacefully Monday, December 28, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on July 12, 1928 to the late John and Bessie (Hollis) Kennedy in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She grew up on the Kennedy family farm in Whitmore Lake which was settled by her great-grandfather in 1835. Ruth graduated as a Registered Nurse from Mercy College in Detroit and started her nursing career at Ypsilanti State Hospital in 1949. She married the love of her life Charles Clark on September 9, 1950 at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. She continued her nursing career at Fort Custer Military Hospital in Battle Creek before moving north to Kalkaska in 1953. Soon after her arrival, Ruth began working at Kalkaska Memorial Hospital on its opening day. After working nearly twenty years in Kalkaska, Ruth took a job as the floor supervisor at Grand Traverse Medical Care Facility, later known as Grand Traverse Pavilions. Ruth and Chuck were founding members of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church in Kalkaska and attended for over 50 years where she was very involved in church activities. Ruth was actively involved in local social groups through the years which included bridge club, golf league, and bowling league. She also enjoyed skiing, as well as playing piano and organ. Ruth was extremely well organized, a great cook, and she created cherished memories by making every family occasion special. Chuck and Ruth placed their children’s needs above their own which opened the doors to unique opportunities and treasured experiences. Ruth viewed life as an adventure to be enjoyed: She frequently reminded her children that, “there is no sense in taking a perfectly good body to the grave,” and “you might as well eat up, because it won’t be good tomorrow!” Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren: son, Charles L.(Marsha B.) and their children C. Brendan and Shane K., son, Kevin J.(Karen M.) and their children Angella M. Durkin and Michael J., son, Timothy P.(Sharon L.) and their children Laura K. Goeke and Michael P., son, Gerald A. (Lori M.) and children Melissa R Winowiecki and Jeff A., daughter, Joan M. Clark and her children David M. Hodgson and Cameron J. Hodgson, and 12 great grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles Clark, her three siblings: Robert Kennedy, Elizabeth Oravec, and John Kennedy. A private funeral mass will be held at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church due to COVID. Burial will take place next to her beloved husband Chuck at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Cemetery in Barker Creek in May, please check the funeral home website for details. Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s honor to Heartland Hospice or St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church in Kalkaska. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.